My Top 10 Rap Albums of 2022

When you listen to so much music it’s very hard to come up with any kind of top ranking. Even more so when a year is a busy and as good as 2022 was for Rap and Hip-Hop. But it’s good to take time to reflect on all the music that has come out and to try and put together a list of your favorite projects so that you can kind of keep a time capsule for the previous year that you can come back to later. You can then see how well these albums still fare a few years down the line and it’s a good opportunity for anyone reading to catch up on a project that they have missed out on.

Usually you tend to forget the albums that have come out early or in the first half of the year as there is so much coming out and it’s difficult to keep your attention on one project for long. Remember the times when an album would come out and the only way for you to listen to it was to buy the CD? I can tell you that back then you’d take your time with a single album - sometime spending months with it - and would really end up grasping the full extent of what the artist wanted to achieve. This year, I’ve actually spent a lot of time digesting the same albums and you’ll find some of the early 2022 releases I enjoyed on this list. I’m still listening to a couple of projects now. There are also some late 2022 releases on this list, but that were immediately put on repeat when they released. As far as the process for this list is concerned, all albums are ranked from 10 to 1 so to save the best for last. I’ve picked and ordered the albums based on how much time I have spent listening to them and enjoyed coming back to them, so there are a lot more great albums that did not make the list. I included them in a “Honorable Mentions” list at the bottom of this article. So now, without further due, let’s get into this list!

10 - Roc Marciano & The Alchemist: The Elephant Man’s Bones

Both Roc Marciano and The Alchemist are considered elites amongst rap connoisseurs - for their raps and their beats respectively - so to finally see them come together for a full-length project is a real event. I have grown very fond of Roc Marciano’s music after his 2020 “Mt. Marci” album and have since had his debut album “Marcberg” and blaxploitation-inspired street album “The Pimpire Strikes Back” on regular rotation. His wordplay and delivery are just so good and unique. He has low key inspired many movements and the revival of NY raw sound (think Griselda). On this album, the alchemy with Al the Chemist is undeniable and “The Elephant Man’s Bones” will certainly stand as one of this year’s highlights for a long time. The features are pretty scarce, but when they’re here, they’re really good, like the verses by Action Bronson, Boldy James or Knowledge the Pirate. Roc Marciano delivers some of his best raps ever and The Alchemist does not disappoint as usual. A real treat for the ears.

Best tracks: “The Elephant Man’s Bones”, “Rubber Hand Grip”, “Daddy Kane”, “Quantum Leap”, “Bubble Bath”, Zig Zag Zig”, “Think Big”.

9 - Czarface: Czarmageddon!

After their series of collaborative albums with MF Doom (rest in peace), Czarface came back with “Czarmageddon” in April this year. This LP was short but sweet and Inspectah Deck delivered some of his best verses recently on this one. The crazy experimental yet so hip-hop beats are here with a bunch of funny sound effects and the usual references to sci-fi and superhero movies. Everything that would expect from a good Czarface album is here and it’s a fun ride everyone you listen to it. I did bump this album a lot when it originally came out and still play it from time to time. It’s nice album, not an essential one,  but still well worth a listen.

Best tracks: “The Czarlaac Pit”, “Can It Be?”, “Walk Thru Walls”, “Nu Mutantes”, “Fearless & Inventive”.

8 - Larry June: Spaceships On the Blade

Larry June’s music and raps are very similar to the brand of music that Clyde Carson and The Team came to scene with in the early 2000s. He’s just having a lot more success and getting more recognition for it in his time than they did in theirs. Larry has been on  strong run since last year’s “Orange Print”, releasing his collaborative album with Jay Worthy earlier in 2022 and then the follow-up solo album “Spaceships On the Blade”. He sticks with the formula on this one: his trademark laidback yet mob-inspired raps full of stories about wealth, luxury cars and women over upbeat 80s-infused instrumentals. Take the track “Another Day, Pt. 2” for example. The beat and ambiance straight away make you want to pump up the volume and open your windows as you’re driving on a sunny day out. The same goes with songs “I’m Him”, the DJ Fresh-produced “Don’t Check Me” or the 2 Chainz-assisted “Still Boomin”. This is the kind of albums that is fun to play everywhere on your own or with people around. There aren’t many tracks I’d skip on this one, even though it is clocking in at 20 tracks.

Best tracks: “I’m Him”, “Another Day, Pt. 2”, “Still Boomin”, “For Tonight”, “In My Pockets”, “Breakfast in Monaco”, “Extra of Um”

7 - KXNG CROOKED & Joell Ortiz: The Rise & Fall of Slaughterhouse

The second joint effort by former XXL Magazine’s Freshman Class nominees and members of now defunct rap supergroup Slaughterhouse made a lot of ways when it came out, and rightly so: they decided to address with this album the whole story behind the group split. Royce 5’9” and Joe Biden expected a diss album, but it is really more than that as Joell and Crooked used this album to get out all the frustrations and anger towards not being able to salvage the group after their Shady Records debut and Joe Burden’s antics. Many critics also bashed the album for its lack of replay value and the fact that both rappers exposed behind-the-scene facts that should have stayed like that. 

I personally think that pouring your heart out and voicing what goes on in your head is the prime reason for music as an art so it made sense for these two to make an album to address the situation. “The Rise & Fall of Slaughterhouse” is packed with heartfelt raps and commentary on the whole group story. I get that at 13 tracks it can get repetitive to talk about the same, but I do think each track’s subject matter differ and for a fan of the group and their members it is really insightful to listen through. As usual, Crooked and Joell hold up to their reputation as rap elite and the lyrics as well as the flows are of high quality. It may not have so much replay value over the years but definitely was one of my favorite listens this year. 

Best tracks: “Vacancy”, “Backstage”, “Fukglasshouse”, “Brothers Keeper 2”, “Almighty”, “Coastin” & “Still In My Feelings”.

6 - Quelle Chris: Deathfame

I had heard a lot about Quelle Chris before this album, but had never really paid attention. “Deathfame” received such great reviews upon its release that I decided to check it out. Quelle’s music may be difficult to get into for some as his style is very experimental and left field, so it took me a few listens to let this album grow on me. But it has gone on to become one my favorite projects this year. First the subject matter - which was also explored by other rappers on their respective releases this year, see below for Denzel Curry’s and Lupe Fiasco’s albums - deals with the fact that many artists and rappers don’t reach any recognition until they’re gone and also that many rappers go too soon. Then the instrumentals and raps are some of the most unique I have heard in years. Take “King in Black” for example where the drums and distorted voice come together to something special. Then you have the beautiful piano loops of “So Tired You Can’t Stop Dreaming” or on “The Sky is Blue Because the Sunshine is Red” courtesy of Chris Keys. Both tracks lay the perfect instrumentals for Quelle Chris and his guests to rap about the serious topics they address. Then songs like “Deathfame” and “Cui Protest” are instant bangers and songs you just want to listen to again and again. The whole album is a wonderful listening experience and there’s really no track I’d skip on this one. Reading everywhere that this is probably of the most left field releases from Quelle, I’m sure if you like it then you will find easy to like any of his projects. I for one can’t wait to discover the rest of his catalog.

Best tracks: “King in Black”, “So Tired You Can’t Stop Dreaming”, “Die Happy Knowing They’ll Care”, “Deathfame”, “The Agency of the Future”, “Cui Protest”, “The Sky is Blue Because the Sunshine is Red”.

5 - Kendrick Lamar: Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers

Here’s one rapper that had long disappeared from the scene (5 years is a mighty long time in this day and age) and ever since his Pulitzer-winning album “DAMN.” there had been a lot of speculation as to what he would come back with for the his next offering. “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers” is Kendrick Lamar’s last album with TDE and what an event it was. There is as usual a lot to unpack, even more so that it is a long album (19 cuts in total), and as was the case with all of Kendrick’s previous releases, the concepts and topics are deep. This is probably not the album you would listen on every occasion, but a great play to reflect on and digest over time. Kendrick opens the album saying”I’ve been going through something…” and from there on you know you’re going to be in for a lot of introspective lyrics and thought-provoking narratives. Kendrick touches up on acceptance of transgender people on the track “Auntie Diaries” to couples’ arguments on “We Cry Together” and to racism, hypocrisy in the media or the cancel culture on songs like “The Heart Part. 5” , “Worldwide Steppers or “N95” respectively. Some of the themes will probably put people of at first, but this is not an album that Kendrick made for the clubs, for the streets or the radio only. I personally had a hard time getting into it at first, skipping a lot of tracks, but ended up getting back to it out curiosity and the album grew up on me over time. The instrumentals are all of great quality and Kendrick Lamar switches flows and pace easily from song to song and the entire pack feels like a damn good album overall. It is not in my top 3 because quite a long listen and not one I will play too often in the future I think, but still an amazing output from Kendrick.

Best tracks: “United in Grief”, “N95”, “Father Time”, “Rich Spirit”, “Purple Hearts”, “Count Me Out”, “Auntie Diaries”, “The Heart Part 5”.

4 - Pusha T: It’s Almost Dry

Pusha T teased this album as the album of the year 2022. Not quite that if you ask me, but by far my favorite album of his and a highlight of 2022. Push had been away since releasing his Grammy-nominated “DAYTONA” album and people waiting on him. This album is not just Pusha Ty’s comeback album after no release since 2018 it doubles as versus between Pharrell Williams and Ye as these two are supplying each of the beats on the project. The result is a massive album with not only Pusha’s trademark raps about drug dealing (each one more inventive than the last, making you wonder how much more he can keep it up like that),  but also some of the best production he’s ever rapped on. The result is mind blowing and the first 5 tracks on the album, from “Bambleton” to “Dreamin of the Past” or to the Jay-Z featured “Neck & Wrist” will have you on your toes the whole time. The rest of the album is probably just as good, with tracks like “Hear Me Clearly”, “Scrape It Off the Top” or The Clipse reunion track “I Pray For You” topping the second half. It is just that Pusha’s voice does get repetitive to me after sometime and I find it hard to listen to the same album over too often. This project nevertheless is a very solid one and definitely a top album of 2022.

Best tracks: “Bambleton”, “Let the Smokers Shine the Coupes”, “Dreamin Of the Past”, “Neck & Wrist, “Hear Me Clearly”, “Diet Coke”, “Scrape It Off the Top”, “I Pray For You”.

3 - Benny The Butcher: Tana Talk 4

Benny The Butcher is one my favorite rappers at the moment and delivered in 2020 my favorite album of the year in “Burden Of Proof” together with Hitboy. When you release a project in the “Tana Talk” series (“Tana Talk 3” is considered by many as Benny’s best effort to date), you’re bound to have anticipation. The rollout started with the release of the “Johnny P’s Caddy” single with J. Cole and this was certainly a highlight track with perfect production from The Alchemist and great verses from both rappers. This single ended up being the only one song on the album with that kind of sound though and was a great way to open the album too. The rest of the project sounds a lot more like the previous album in the series with raw and unpolished production from the likes of Daringer and Beat Butcha. This is not disappointing at all and there are really no skippers on this album. Benny delivers the great verses you’re used to her from him and the guests are all in top form. I loved Stove God Cooks’ verse on “Back 2x” for example and Conway’s performance on the song “Tyson v. Ali” (an awesome concept track about comparisons of who is the best in Griselda) are standout moments. You can’t fault the other songs on this album either. Take “10 More Commandments” where Benny revisits Biggie’s classic by adding 10 more lessons to the list, giving it a modern spin at the same time. There’s also “Super Plug” or “Bust A Brick Nick” where the Griselda star delivers gem after gem. I personally prefer this album to the previous one in the series as I think it is more finished and thought through as an album, and it will stand in my top 3 from Benny so far.

Best tracks: “Johnny P’s Caddy”, “Back 2x”, “Super Plug”, “10 More Commandments”, “Tyson vs. Ali”, “Uncle Bun”, “Bust A Brick Nick”.

2 - Freddie Gibbs: $oul $old $eparately

I had been anticipating this new solo offering from Freddie the Grammy nomination in 2020 for his last offering, the collaborative album with producer The Alchemist. Two years later, a few loosies and a beef with Benny The Butcher later, it is finally here. This new album may not end up that high on other people’s year-end lists because the expectations were almost to high to meet, given Freddie’s string of high quality releases in the years before. This album also marks the first major label release for him and you can’t deny the impact it’s having on the sound which is overall a lot more commercial. That being said, I think Freddie Gibbs delivered a great album here. His flows are as good as ever and despite the fact that he is using multiple producers the whole project sounds cohesive and even throughout. The usual collaborators are here, Madlib and The Alchemist each deliver one track, and rappers Rick Ross, Pusha T and Anderson .Paak feature on songs as well. Where the backing of a major label is most evident is with the extra features from Moneybagg Yo, Offset, and singers Musiq Soulchild or Kelly Price, and with the beats from J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Jake One or Boi-1da. The end result is a super polished album with many single potential tracks that altogether as written above still make up for a cohesive and consistent album. Take the Moneybagg Yo-assisted “Too Much” or “Pain & Strife” song with Offset for example. While these mark a departure from the songs you’re used to her from Freddie, they’re still standouts and he does not compromise on his lyrics or flows. Then you have the opening track “Couldn’t Be Done” with Kelly Price which is a celebratory track about reaching recognition and success. It is different from you’re used to from Gibbs also, but here again it works. The whole album reminds me of aVictory Lap by Nipsey Hussle as they somehow have had similar trajectories having to prove themselves over time and build a career outside of the industry to finally get the backing they deserved and both albums are delivering against the expectations you can have of a major label debut. It will remain a top album for me for a long time.

Best tracks: “CIA”, “Too Much”, “Feel No Pain”, “Rabbit Vision”, “Grandma’s Stove”, “Dark Hearted”, “PYS”.

1 - Black Thought & Danger Mouse: Cheat Codes

The Roots’ Black Thought has long been a beast on the microphone, but it wasn’t until his famous freestyle on Funkmaster Flex’ show in 2017, that people really realized how much of a top tier lyricist he actually is. Very much like Nas with his “King’s Disease” series, Black Thought is a living proof that age has nothing to do with relevance and popularity in Hip-Hop. As a matter of fact many would argue he is just one in his prime and that this is only the beginning. After his “Streams Of Consciousness” EP series and the aforementioned freestyle, everyone got excited when he finally announced a full-length LP. The other factor in the excitement was that it was going to be a collaboration with celebrated producer Danger Mouse (of Gnarls Barkley fame and responsible for the “Grey Album” Jay-Z remixes). And oh boy did the album hold up to the immense expectations when it came out! Black Thought is in his best form throughout the whole project, rapping like there’s no tomorrow, and Danger Mouse definitely came through with the polished and 100% Hip-Hop instrumentals. There’s really not one skippable track on the project, from beginning to end it is a wild ride that keeps you engaged without falter. The list of features is also impressive and made up only of top notch talent: Raekwon, Run The Jewels, A$AP Rocky, Conway The Machine, Joey Bada$$, Russ and MF Doom. I mean, Wow. There are exceptionally high moments sprinkled throughout as well: amazing verses on “No Gold Teeth”, “The Darkest Part” with Raekwon, “Because”, “Belize” with MF Doom and then the posse cut “Strangers”, Danger Mouse even delivered the perfect instrumental for Conway to lay his guest verse on “Saltwater”, showing he can adapt the sound to the Griselda style. This is really a top quality Rap album and by far the best project to have come out in 2022.

Best tracks: All of them.

2022 Top Rap Albums - Honorable Mentions

 Because 2022 was a really good year and these albums were close to making the list…

Westside Gunn: 10

Denzel Curry: Melt My Eyez See My Future

Lupe Fiasco: Drill Music In Zion

Elzhi and Georgia Anne Muldrow: Zhigeist

J.I.D.: The Forever Story

Here’s to an even better 2023!